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Va. Budget Proposal Could Hinder Bay Cleanup

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A budget proposal being reviewed by Virginia’s governor doesn’t include nearly $108 million to pay for sewage plant upgrades that would help clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency outlined a plan in December to restore the bay.

The restoration plan involves individual agreements with six states and the District of Columbia to sharply reduce the flow of pollutants and sediments that have choked the bay and crippled it environmentally. The goals are to be achieved by 2025.

The Virginian-Pilot reports the absence of state money means local governments and utilities could have to pay for the sewage plant project costs.

Agency spokesman David Sternberg says the EPA doesn’t believe the financial shortfall will cause Virginia to miss its reduction goals.